Staff of Slidell Veterinary Hospital
Toni Pyatt, Hospital Practice Manager
Toni Pyatt worked in banking and management for 23 years before joining the Slidell Veterinary Hospital team in 2008. As our hospital practice manager, Toni is responsible for payroll, scheduling, supplies, billing, and the day-to-day hospital operations.
"I enjoy using my previous management experience to incorporate changes that will benefit our employees, enhance the experience of our existing clients, and bring additional clients to our practice," she says.
Toni has a Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu mix named Bella. Outside work, she enjoys Saints football, shopping, home decorating, and exercise. She also spends time with her husband and two daughters boating and fishing.
Sharon Price Simmers, Receptionist
Sharon joined the Slidell Veterinary Hospital team in May 2016 as a part-time receptionist. She loves speaking with clients and meeting their pets. Her responsibilities include answering the phone, scheduling appointments, managing patient charts and helping and listening to the hospital's clients.
"I love being a part of an exceptional staff that obviously cares for their clients," she says.
She has a 14-year-old orange tabby cat named Pumpkin Baby at home.
In her free time, Sharon enjoys playing tennis and organizing tennis leagues. She's also an avid gardener, likes searching for antiques, cooking and reading.
Christian Taylor Lay, Veterinary Technician
Enthusiastic and dedicated to animal care, Christian Taylor Lay joined Slidell Veterinary Hospital in 2002 when he was 15 years old. His responsibilities include assisting doctors during surgery and examinations, but he especially loves the one on one interaction with our clients. Christian has a premedical bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
"Slidell Veterinary Hospital understands the special bond that exists between people and their pets," he says. "We not only treat diseases, but work to promote the health and well-being of your animal. I am proud to be a part of a hospital that tends to the medical needs of animals and the emotional needs of owners."
When he isn't working or studying, Christian spends time hiking and fishing with his friends and family. He has a rescue cat named Luna.
Erika R. Walder, Veterinary Technician
Erika R. Walder has been a vital member of our team since 2006. She has a wide range of responsibilities including surgery assistance, patient care and monitoring, clinic organization and receptionist duties.
"Working at Slidell Veterinary Hospital is very rewarding," she says. "Our staff is like family and our doctors are amazing in every area. All of this makes for a wonderful place to work."
Erika has two sons that keep her very busy: Mason, 12 years old, and Myles, 7 months. She has been an avid softball player for over 17 years and has remained active in various city leagues. She is a dedicated assistant in the STARC program and also enjoys coaching and being involved with her son's baseball team.
Erika has three dogs: a boxer named Blaze, a Pit Bull named Kane, and a Shih Tzu named Maddie.
Jean Noto, Receptionist and Veterinary Technician
As both our receptionist and veterinary technician, Jean Noto greets our clients and patients, answers questions and takes patient histories, keeps the hospital organized, schedules appointments and answers the phone, maintains patient records, monitors inventory, and assists the doctors during examinations and surgery. Her patience and positive attitude make her a true asset to our hospital. Jean joined our team in 2009 and has over 25 years of experience in animal care.
"When working in the animal field, there is never a dull moment," she says. "We all work well together to assure comforting, quality care for each client and patient. Thanks to my co-workers, at the end of the day, I feel accomplished and appreciated."
Jean also cares for six of her own animals: two dogs (Buddy and Maggie); two cats (Oscar and Beau); and two thoroughbred horses (Dutchess and Wadleigh). Her pet-related hobbies include canine obedience training and thoroughbred horse racing. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, gardening, and sports.
Michael Hummell, Surgery and Clinic Technician
Michael Hummell is a surgery and clinic technician at Slidell Veterinary Hospital. His responsibilities include assisting doctors during examinations and surgeries, as well as routinely monitoring hospital patients after hours. He finds assisting with surgeries, taking radiographs, and handling emergencies the most satisfying aspects of his job. He joined the hospital in 2006.
"I have always been interested in medicine and animals," he says. "When we help a family pet recover from an illness or injury it is a great feeling."
Mike has two dogs, Kaos and Gracie. In his free time, he enjoys metal detecting, gardening, fishing, kayaking, and photography.
Veronica Ann Spaide, Veterinary Technician/Kennel Technician
Veronica Ann Spaide is a friendly and skilled technician who is always happy to lend a hand wherever needed to keep our clients and patients happy and the hospital running smoothly. Her responsibilities include assisting doctors during examinations, taking care of dogs in our kennel, and helping at the front desk.
"I love the people I work with and being able to work with animals," she says. "I can't imagine working in a more comfortable and professional place."
Veronica has two dogs, Sam (black Lab) and Doja (Pit Bull) and two cats, Chyna and Malilasia. She spends most of her free time watching her two young sons play baseball.
Michele Patureau, Veterinary Technician/Kennel Worker
Michele Patureau has been part of the team since January of 2015, but she's has been employed in animal-related positions for over 25 years. Now, as a member of the staff at Slidell Veterinary Hospital, her job responsibilities include surgery prep, dentals, working appointments, answering phones, walking dogs, and cleaning kennels. She's a dedicated team player, and her special talents have even led to her becoming known around the hospital as "the cat whisperer."
"I love working here because of the great team I get to be a part of," Michele says. "We have absolutely wonderful doctors here, and the entire staff is fantastic, too."
At home she's the proud pet parent to a dog named Lulu, as well as five cats: Bustopher, Mya, Tri-pod, Patches, and Wubzy.
Stephanie Alexandra Grunsten, Kennel Technician
Stephanie Alexandra Grunsten is a part-time kennel technician with Slidell Veterinary Hospital. She's spent six years in animal-related positions, and began working with the Slidell team starting in October 2014. As a kennel technician, Stephanie's responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining the boarding area and assisting Slidell's doctors with clients.
Stephanie's become well known around Slidell Veterinary Hospital for her willingness to provide hard work, excellent sense of humor, and passion for working with animals. "Working with the animals and learning their unique personalities is what I enjoy the most about my job," Stephanie says. "The staff is great, too - everyone is helpful and heartwarming, and I learn something new each day."
In her spare time Stephanie enjoys going to festivals, relaxing around the bonfire, and watching Netflix. She's the proud pet parent of five dogs: Precious (a peeka-poo), Rugrat (a corgi-dotson), Bandit (a toy schnauzer), Duke (a poodle), and Reese (a German shepherd).